Join Your TownHealth 
Connector events scheduled
Fri Jan 11, 2008, 10:53 AM EST
The Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority is conducting Connect to Health events in eight communities in late January and early February to educate and enroll people in health insurance plans.
The events are scheduled for the Merrimack Valley and South Shore. They will feature representatives from the state's Health Connector and are co-sponsored by local public officials, the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and the Massachusetts Hospital Association. The events are organized with the help of area community-based organizations, small business and chamber groups, public school districts and health care advocates.
Individuals and businesses will have one-on-one access to the experts in order to get a better understanding of their responsibilities under the law. Uninsured individuals are able to enroll on-site, and can start building relationships with local health centers and hospitals.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for someone to get critical information and find the health plan that is best suited for them," said Health Connector Executive Director Jon Kingsdale.
More than 300,000 Massachusetts residents have recently enrolled. Adults who have not been exempted are currently required to have health insurance. Those who did not have coverage by Dec. 31, 2007, will lose their personal exemption worth $219 when they file their state tax return this spring.
The 2008 tax penalties began accruing Jan. 1 and can be as high as $912 for someone who goes the entire year without coverage.
"People who sign up now can lessen the impact of the tax penalty," said Kingsdale. "We want people insured, not penalized. All of us are better off when we have the security of a good health insurance plan."
The Merrimack Valley events will be held Saturday, Jan. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:
Haverhill, Merrimack Valley Hospital, 140 Lincoln Ave.
Lawrence, Lawrence General Hospital, 1 General St.
Lowell, Saints Memorial Medical Center, 1 Hospital Dr. and 155 Merrimack St.; Lowell General Hospital, 295 Varnum Ave.; and Lowell Community Health Center, 585 Merrimack St. Methuen, Caritas Holy Family Hospital, 70 East St. Newburyport, Anna Jaques Hospital, 25 Highland Ave.
The South Shore events will be Saturday, Feb. 2, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:
Norwood, Caritas Norwood Hospital, 800 Washington St.
Quincy, Quincy Medical Center, 114 Whitwell St., and Kam Man Market, 219 Quincy Ave.
Weymouth, South Shore Hospital, 55 Fogg Rd. at Route 18.
"The education and enrollment of Massachusetts residents into comprehensive health insurance plans is an ongoing process," said Kingsdale. "We remain committed to simplifying the experience for everyone."
Information and enrollment materials are available online at www.MAhealthconnector.org and can also be obtained weekdays by calling the Health Connector's toll-free line, 1-877-MA-ENROLL.
